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The impact of climate change on the world's oceans

An examination of the effects of global warming on marine ecosystems

By Mohammad HammashPublished about a year ago 3 min read
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The impact of climate change on the world's oceans
Photo by William Bossen on Unsplash

Climate change is no joke, but the oceans are definitely getting the last laugh - a bitter, sorrowful one. As the Earth's temperature continues to rise, the oceans are bearing the brunt of the effects. From sea level rise to ocean acidification, the impact of global warming on marine ecosystems is clear and alarming. In this post, we will explore the various ways in which the changing climate is causing the oceans to laugh - and cry - and the potential consequences for marine life and coastal communities.

The Visible Effects of Climate Change: Sea Level Rise

Contrary to popular belief, climate change is real and one of its effects is sea level rise, putting coastal communities and ecosystems in danger. In the United States, just a 1 foot (0.3 m) rise would put 2.4 million people and $1 trillion worth of property at risk of flooding.

The Devastating Impact of Acidification

Seawater doesn’t just swallow CO2 — it gurgles it! Reacting with this, it generates a vilely sour pH, making it difficult for scenarios in which shellfish, coral, and plankton can thrive, with calcium carbonate their skeleton and shell-building companion. Even more inclemency is prophesied in the Royal Society’s research: in the foreseeable future, coral contours could slump by an astounding 70-90%.

The Importance of Coral Reefs and their Decline

Preserving the marine ecosystem is of utmost importance. Coral reefs, in particular, are integral to the balance and sustainability of the ocean, with their habitat comprising one fourth of all aquatic species. Additionally, they generate an annual economic activity of nearly four hundred billion dollars, giving further proof of their grandiose significance. However, these habitats are swayed by treacherous tides. Temperature surges cause bleaching of coral, where the corals eject the algaes and bacteria living inside them, diminishing their vibrancy and simultaneously increasing their fragility. Sadly, diseases and foreign species also work to dismantle coral reefs.

Conserving Marine Ecosystems: A Challenge

It's a marine-dilemma: Climate change is impacting fish, sea turtles, and whales in a big way. Warmer waters are driving fish to relocate, while sea turtles are struggling to find new nesting spots as their sandy beaches are inundated by rising sea levels. And whales? They're facing an even bigger problem: acidification is depleting their food sources of plankton. It's a crisis that's heating up, and our aquatic friends are feeling the burn.

Arctic Conservation Efforts

The Arctic, a vulnerable region to climate change, is seeing its sea ice rapidly melting. This has caused an influx of shipping and resource extraction, posing a threat to the unique marine wildlife. In response, conservation efforts have been implemented, such as the formation of marine protected areas and tighter regulations on shipping and resource extraction. To protect this delicate region, we must act now. As an intertextual reference to the famous phrase, "Act now, think later," we must think now and act later - for the Arctic! Through parody, we can see the severity of the situation. The Arctic is in a state of peril, and the only way to save it is to implement the strictest of regulations. Through rhetorical devices, we must emphasize the importance of this situation. The Arctic is a fragile ecosystem, and if we do not act now, it may be too late.

In conclusion, the impression of climate change on the world's oceans is a perplexing and multifaceted topic that demands urgent consideration. From sea level ascent to ocean acidification, the outcomes of global warming on marine biospheres and coastal societies are lucid and disquieting. Nonetheless, by recognizing the difficulties and taking action, we can strive to guard and conserve the oceans and the life that depends on them.

Sustainability
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About the Creator

Mohammad Hammash

Web search lover🔍 & bookworm📚. Passionate about innovation💡, creativity🎨. Seeking new ideas & perspectives🌉. Making positive impact using tech🌍 humanity💕

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